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These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

22 May 2006

Morning Routine

1. Wake too early,embraced by heat.The local weather? Or is he —already out and about —sending me warm thoughts?My own thoughts are warm.I stretch and snuggleand start this morning’s poem in my head.

2. Look at the clockwith the usual surprise.Wherever I am, in what country,my body always wakes me upafter only five hours’ sleep.Don’t talk to me about eight hours.It isn’t the light that does it.It’s still dark and my curtains are closed.

3. Get up. Pee. Head for the kitchen.Examine more lines of the poem forming.Repeat them aloud so as not to lose them.Boil water to brew coffee.Leave breakfast for later.Take the cup back to bed.Pile up the pillows behind my back.Settle with coffee, notebook and pen.

5. Remember last night —jumping around on a low stagewith poets and musicians.Already, here with these youngsters, I find community.They love me. I love them.I’m wild and funny.They say I’m a legend.

6. Re-examine clock.Not yet an hour.Decide it’s too early to phone,knowing it’s probably not.Imagine a conversation.Realise they never go as imagined.Turn into awkward adolescent.Defer the call for now.

7. Think of his voice. Roll overon tummy and squirm. Think ofhis hair, his eyes, his everything. Wishhe could have seen the poet last night:no glamour, just herself, in old black daks and t-shirt, having a ball. Be deliciously awarethat happiness is a cool scene and a hot lover.Be deliciously aware that happiness is now.April 2006